The Panthers defense contained the Bucs' potent passing game. Quarterback Baker Mayfield passed for 145 yards while receiver Mike Evans, often a terror against Carolina, caught five balls for just 31 yards and a score.

Technically, the Buccaneers are alive in the NFC Wild Card race, but they can virtually be ruled out. Tampa Bay would have to win out and get a ton of help to sneak in as the No. 7 seed — The Athletic's playoff predictor gives them under a 1% chance to secure a wild-card spot.

A Week 16 DST/IDP fantasy preview for Buccaneers vs Panthers using consensus rankings and season long scoring trends.

USA Today's NFL experts make their picks for a Week 16 showdown between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers meet Sunday in a Week 16 matchup in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

The Falcons will look to build off of their upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by defeating a reeling Cardinals team on the road. Arizona has lost six straight games and the team is just 1-6 at home this season.